Associate Planner I/II

Associate Planner I/II

Salary

$97,284.00 - $137,952.00 Annually

Location

City of Santa Cruz, CA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

27-001

Department

Public Works

Opening Date

07/09/2026

Closing Date

7/23/2026 5:00 PM Pacific

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

The Position

The current vacancy is for Associate Planner I/II in the Public Works Department. The City of Santa Cruz is recruiting for an Associate Planner I/II to manage the stormwater development review, conduct inspections, and lead environmental compliance and watershed protection initiatives. This position oversees the Citys Clean River, Beaches and Ocean Fund (Measure E) Oversight Committee, serves as the lead for the Citys National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, and administers consultant contracts and public education programs. The Associate Planner I/II works collaboratively with City staff, developers, regulatory agencies, consultants, and community stakeholders to implement programs and projects that protect water quality and enhance the Citys waterways.

Associate Planner I salary range is: $8,107- $10,450 monthly ($46.77 - $60.29 hourly)

Associate Planner II salary range is: $8,919 - $11,496monthly ($51.46 - $66.32 hourly)

The eligible list established from this recruitment may be used to fill other Regular and Temporary Associate Planner I/II vacancies that may occur during the life of the list. The eligible list established from this recruitment is valid for up to one year from the date established unless the list is extended or abolished by the Human Resources Director.

Recruitment #27-001

APPLICATION AND SELECTION PROCESS:

The following process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Human Resources Director. The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.

• On Thursday, 07/23/26 recruitment will close. All application materials must be received by the Human Resources Department by 5:00 pm; postmarks are not accepted. To apply, submit:

• Application- online application only. Resumes are not accepted in lieu of filling out the application form completely. Click the Apply button to begin the online process.

• Response to supplemental questions- will be a primary tool in the evaluation of your qualifications for this position. Any work experience described here must also be included in your employment history on the main application.

• Week of 07/27 and 08/03/26: Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications for this position. Candidates will be notified of their status in the recruitment by 08/14/26.

• Week of 08/17 and/or 08/24/26: Interviews will be tentatively scheduled for top candidates. The examination process will include an interview and may include a written and/or performance exercise.

Basic Function

Under general supervision, performs professional land use planning, urban planning, and environmental review and compliance work such as current and advance planning, housing, community development, historic preservation, parks and open space planning, water resource and utility planning and environmental planning; reviews zoning and development applications; complies with various regulations; coordinates activities with agencies and other interested parties; analyzes planning and environmental issues; coordinates special projects; and performs other related duties as assigned.

Distinguishing Characteristics

The Associate Planner I is the entry level class in the professional planning series and is responsible for providing staff support through research, data collection and report preparation, performing the less complex and more routine planning and environmental review tasks under closer supervision. Incumbents learn the application of fundamental planning principles within the local environment. After demonstrating proficiency at the I Level, incumbents are expected to advance to the full professional II Level in the planning series.

The Associate Planner II is the journey level classification in the professional planning series and is distinguished from the Associate Planner I with more diversified and complex assignments and level of independence. Incumbents are expected to independently perform the full scope of assigned duties, including the research and analysis of planning and environmental issues, the coordination of complex planning projects, and the preparation of related reports, studies and recommendations. The Associate Planner II is distinguished from the next higher classification of Senior Planner in that the latter is the lead-worker classification responsible for performing the most complex planning tasks and acting as the functional supervisor of an assigned specialty area.

Typical Duties

(May include, but are not limited to, those duties listed below.)

• Reviews and processes various plans and applications for subdivision, housing, commercial and public infrastructure developments; reviews and processes variances, design permits, conditional use permits, design permits and other discretionary permits.
• Determines conformity with laws, regulations, policies and procedures; recommends approval; identifies problems and analyzes alternatives.
• May be assigned to investigate and respond to complaints of zoning code violations.
• Plans, organizes and conducts research studies; determines appropriate data sources; conducts analysis of complex issues and data.
• Prepares reports and recommendations regarding land use, zoning, urban design, population trends, transportation, housing, community needs, parks, open spaces, water utility planning and/or environmental issues, depending upon area of assignment; recommends the use of land for residential, commercial, industrial, public infrastructure and community uses.
• Maintains, updates and analyzes demographic and other data related to community planning; participates in the review, development, revision and maintenance of general plan elements, environmental impact reports, plans, ordinances and/or other policies and procedures.
• Reviews plans, proposals, requests and studies presented by other City staff, developers, consultants, advisory bodies and members of the public; prepares analyses related to compliance, feasibility and impact.
• Interprets, applies and explains federal, state and local laws, codes and regulations, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the National Environmental Protection Act (NEPA).
• Provides information and assistance to developers, property owners and the public regarding laws, regulations, standards, policies and procedures related to the submission of plans, processing of applications and implementation requirements; communicates and coordinates with other City departments and outside agencies; coordinates the development review process on public and private projects.
• Resolves difficult issues, consults with experts, and determines need for technical resources.
• Determines consistent approaches in analysis, legal and regulatory interpretations, mitigation measures, permitting and scoping of projects.
• Oversees the preparation of environmental documents, permits, technical reports, and studies.
• Manages projects including consultants, contracts and budgets.
• Serves as staff liaison to commissions, advisory bodies and citizen groups, as assigned; assists in the preparation of meeting agendas for various commissions, boards and community groups, including reviewing draft materials and preparing comments; organizes meetings and work sessions ensuring timely notification of appropriate parties; prepares materials for and makes presentations to the City Council, commissions, boards and community groups.
• May prepare, coordinate and administer grant applications or contracts.
• May provide work coordination and project direction for other planning personnel and contract consultants.
• Performs other related duties that may be reasonably expected as part of this classification.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Position requires prolonged sitting, standing, walking on slippery, level and uneven surfaces, kneeling, squatting and stooping in the performance of daily activities. The position also requires repetitive hand movement and fine coordination in preparing reports using a computer keyboard. The position also requires both near and far vision in reading written reports and work related documents. Acute hearing is required when providing phone and personal service. The position may work outdoors in all weather conditions, including wet, hot and cold. The need to lift, drag and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds is also required.

Some of these requirements may be accommodated for otherwise-qualified individuals requiring and requesting such accommodations.

Minimum Qualifications

The minimum qualifications for Education, Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities are the following:

Associate Planner I

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban, Regional or Park Planning, Landscape Architecture, or Environmental Studies, or a related field depending on the assignment; and
• Six months minimum of professional related planning experience.

Knowledge:

• Principles, practices and techniques of municipal planning, including current planning, advance planning, housing, community development, historic preservation, and/or parks and open space planning;
• Land use, physical design, demographic, environmental, economic and social concepts as applied to municipal planning;
• State and federal laws, policies, codes, permitting and regulations;
• Principles, practices and techniques of environmental planning and analysis, environmental impact assessment and review, permitting, mitigation, monitoring and reporting;
• Basic computer skills and competency.

Abilities:

• Perform thorough planning research and evaluation;
• Learn, interpret and apply a large number of codes, ordinances, policies and procedures;
• Communicate City ordinances, policies and decisions to the public in a courteous and effective manner;
• Effectively manage all assigned projects;
• Organize, prioritize and follow-up on work assignments;
• Read, interpret and record data accurately;
• Communicate issues or problems clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Prepare staff reports to the Zoning Administrator, Historic Preservation Commission, Planning Commission and City Council;
• Make effective oral presentations;
• Work effectively independently and as a member of a team;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with developers, contractors, consultants, advisory bodies, City staff, other governmental agencies, and the public;
• Willingness to attend evening meetings as required.

Associate Planner II

In addition to the minimum qualifications for the Associate Planner I:

• Bachelor's degree in Urban, Regional or Park Planning, Landscape Architecture or Environmental Studies or a related field depending on the assignment; and
• Two years of increasingly responsible related professional planning experience.

Knowledge:

• Statistical methods and research techniques applicable to the preparation of municipal planning studies.
• Methods and techniques for making effective public presentations of complex information;
• Basic principles and practices of program development, administration and evaluation;
• Grant writing and administration;
• Contract negotiation and administration;
• Interpretation and application of CEQA law (for Water assignment)
• Building and park construction and landscape design (for Parks assignment).

Abilities:

• Perform thorough research and analysis of complex planning-related issues and develop appropriate recommendations for action;
• Interpret, explain and apply applicable, policies, procedures, standards, laws, codes, and regulations pertaining to the municipal planning process, including CEQA and NEPA;
• Interpret technical manuals, maps, site and building plans and specifications, graphs, sketches, drawings and modeling and statistical data;
• Learn and apply more complex principles, practices, techniques and regulations pertaining to assigned duties;
• Recommend adjustments to standard operating procedures to improve effectiveness and comply with regulatory changes as appropriate;
• Participate in the establishment of division and/or department goals, objectives and methods for evaluating achievement and performance levels;
• Consensus building among diverse and competing interests;
• Negotiate and oversee contracts and manage the work of consultants;
• Assist with budget development and monitoring.

Licenses and Certificates

• Possession and continued maintenance of a valid California Class C driver's license.

Career Ladder

• Director of Planning and Community Development
• Assistant Director of Planning and Community Development
• Principal Planner
• Senior Planner
• Associate Planner I/II

SALARY - The current salary range for this position is posted on the City website City of Santa Cruz MOUs, Salaries, & Benefits

See the MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING - THE MID-MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION OF THE CITY OF SANTA CRUZ for further details on pay rates and practices.

APPOINTMENT - Any candidate selected by the appointing department may be required to pass a pre-employment medical exam administered by a City-selected physician before hire to non-sedentary positions. Prior to starting work, all newly hired employees will be fingerprinted to check conviction history. A conviction history will not necessarily disqualify an applicant from appointment. Candidates must present documentation verifying authorization to work in the United States and take a loyalty oath as required by the State of California at the time of hire. Appointments to regular positions are subject to a six-month probationary period which is considered a part of the selection process. Probationary employees may be terminated without recourse during this period. Positions which are covered by the Department of Transportation regulations are required to submit to a pre-employment drug test and to random drug and alcohol testing.

LEAVE

Vacation - 80 hours/year up to 5 years, 120 hours/year 6-10 years, plus 8 hours for each year after 10 years up to a maximum of 160 hours/year.

Sick - 12 days/year

Holidays - up to 12 days/year

Floating Holidays - 24 hours per year - prorated for part-time

INSURANCE - (available to employee and eligible dependents)

Medical - Depends on plan selected; City generally pays at least 90% of the cost of coverage. Participating members make an additional $35 contribution per pay period towards health care benefits.

Dental, Vision, Employee Assistance Program - City currently pays full cost of employee and family coverage. Pro-rated for part-time.

Life - City provides a $25,000 life insurance policy.

Long Term Disability - City provides a long term disability plan.

MANAGEMENT LEAVE/OPTIONAL BENEFIT PLAN

80 hours of additional vacation per year. A $1,300 (less than 10 yrs) or $1,500 (greater than 10 yrs) annual contribution may be used to purchase additional vacation, be place in deferred compensation account or be paid in cash (cash-out limited to 20 hours).

RETIREMENT

All regular employees become members of PERS. Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) 2% @ 62 (3 year average). Prior PERS membership may affect retirement formula. Employees contribute 11.25% of their salary to PERS on a pre-tax basis. An employee is vested after 5 years of membership. No Social Security is withheld.

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS (not all inclusive)

457 Deferred Compensation Plan

Accident Protection Insurance

Cancer and Critical Illness Insurance

Direct Deposit

Discount Bus Pass Program

Flexible Spending Plans for Health & Dependent Care

Longevity Pay (after 10 years and 15 years)

In lieu Medical Reimbursement of $200 /month

Supplemental Life Insurance

Tuition Reimbursement

01

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY: The following supplemental questions are designed to obtain specific information regarding your work experience. Please answer each question as thoroughly as possible, as your responses will be utilized to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for this position. For applicants who meet the minimum qualifications, these responses may also be used as an evaluation tool in later stages of the competitive process to determine which applicants will be invited to continue in the examination process. All experience described here must correspond to employers listed in the Work Experience section of your application to receive credit. Please refrain from using AI or computer-generated responses. Applicants are responsible to clearly, completely, and accurately describe their qualifications. You may attach a resume, but this cannot be used in lieu of completing an application. Failure to complete all required questions and/or providing incomplete responses may result in an incomplete application. Do not answer any question with "see resume" and if you do not have any experience and/or education in a given area, please write "N/A."

• I acknowledge that I have read and understood these instructions

02

This position requires possession and continued maintenance of a valid California drivers license.

• Yes, I have a valid California drivers license.
• I do not have a valid California drivers license. I understand that I will be required to obtain one prior to appointment as a condition of employment if selected for this position.

03

This position requires a Bachelor's degree in Urban, Regional or Park Planning, Landscape Architecture, or Environmental Studies, or a related field depending on the assignment. Please indicate your degree, field of study, and name of the accredited college or university from which you graduated. If you do not possess a Bachelors degree or higher, please write "N/A" below.

04

Please select the appropriate amount of professional related planning experience that you have. The experience selected here must be reflected in the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit.

• Less than 6 months.
• At least 6 months, but less than 1 year.
• At least 1 year, but less than 2 years.
• At least 2 years, but less than 3 years.
• At least 3 years, but less than 4 years.
• 4 or more years.

05

Based on your answer above, please describe your professional related planning experience, such as current planning, advance planning, housing, community development, historic preservation, and/or parks and open space planning. Be sure to specifically discuss how your professional related planning responsibilities have increased over time, and include the employers where experience was obtained and duration of experience. Answers to this question will help determine how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and may make you more competitive against other candidates in this recruitment. All experience described here must be reflected in the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit. If you do not have professional related planning experience, please answer "N/A."

06

Please describe your experience with environmental planning and analysis, environmental impact assessment and review, permitting, mitigation, monitoring and reporting. Answers to this question will help determine how you meet the minimum qualifications for the position and may make you more competitive against other candidates in this recruitment. All experience described here must be reflected in the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."

07

While not required for the Associate Planner I position, please describe your experience with program development, grant writing, and contract negotiation. Answers to this question will help determine how you meet the minimum qualifications for the Associate Planner II position and may make you more competitive against other candidates in this recruitment. All experience described here must be reflected in the work experience portion of your application in order to receive credit. If you do not have this experience, please answer "N/A."

Required Question

Employer City of Santa Cruz

Address 809 Center St.

Room 6

Santa Cruz, California, 95060

Phone 831-420-5040

Website http://www.cityofsantacruz.com